RU2192451C2 - Cleansing composite for solid surface comprising hydrophilic polymer in very low concentration able to dilution at shift, kit and method of cleansing surface using thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: detergent composites. SUBSTANCE: indicated composite has pH value above 9 and comprises, wt. -%: cleansing surface-active substance, 0.05-0.3; hydrophilic polymer, 0.0001-0.2. Composite can be diluted at shift and inhibit molecular aggregation of surface-active substance solution on floor in drying process and less 5 of one or some solvents. Invention describes kit and method of surface cleansing using indicated composite. Composites can be used for solid surfaces and especially for floor cleansing without formation of films/bands on treatable surface. EFFECT: improved properties, simplified cleansing. 10 cl, 5 tbl, 9 dwg, 27 ex

Description

 This application relates to detergent compositions that can be used on hard surfaces, and especially for cleaning floors (flooring), including common applications and accessories such as sponges, fabrics, sponge mops, rope mops, tape mops and floor rags. This application is also particularly useful with a “replaceable” cleaning device containing superabsorbent material to remove contaminants from hard surfaces. The cleaning devices preferably comprise a removable (removable) absorbent cleaning pad, preferably designed to provide multiple cleaning surfaces.

 The literature discloses many products that can clean hard surfaces, such as floors (floors) made of ceramic tiles, floors (floors) made of hardwood, the upper surfaces of counters and the like. In connection with the floors to be cleaned (decks), numerous devices are described comprising a handle and some means for absorbing a liquid cleaning composition. Such devices include those that are reusable, including mops containing cotton ropes, cellulosic and / or synthetic tapes, sponges, and the like. The use of any such device or mop requires considerable effort.

 Examples of replaceable mops include: US Pat. No. 5,094,559 to Rivera et al., March 10, 1992, which describes a mop that includes a replaceable cleaning pad containing a scrubbing layer for removing dirt from a contaminated surface, an absorbent (blotting) layer for absorbing liquid after the cleaning process, and a liquid-impermeable layer sandwiched between the scrubbing and blotting layers, and US Pat. No. 5,419,015, issued to Garcia on May 30, 1995, which describes a mop having interchangeable washable working pads.

The cleaning device preferably includes a removable cleaning pad, which facilitates the need to rinse the pad during use. This cleaning pad preferably has sufficient absorption capacity, grams of absorbed liquid per gram of base of the cleaning pad to allow cleaning of a large area, such as the area of a regular floor with a hard surface (e.g. 7.4-9.3 m ² ), without the need to replace the pad . This usually requires the use of a superabsorbent material, preferably of the type disclosed below. The detergent composition that is used with such superabsorbent materials must be carefully formulated to avoid failure to achieve the purpose for which such superabsorbent material is used.

 Preferred cleaning devices have a pad that exhibits useful dirt removal properties by continuously providing a fresh surface and / or edge for contact with a contaminated surface, for example, by providing a plurality of surfaces that come in contact with the contaminated surface during the cleaning operation.

 Detergents used to clean hard surfaces such as floors (floors), either undiluted or diluted, will usually contain sufficient detergent ingredients such as a surfactant, modifier, solvent, etc. to allow the solution to provide excellent final cleaning without causing buildup or stickiness. The end use is based on whether the product is intended to be used: diluted, such as for floor cleaners and multi-purpose cleaners, or undiluted, such as for bottle sprayers or mop sprayers that are used with removable or reusable pillows.

 Typically, a “final use” cleaning solution, either undiluted or diluted, contains less than about 0.5% by weight of a detergent surfactant solution. The concentration of the detergent surfactant in the end-use cleaning solution is preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.4%, and even more preferably from about 0.05% up to about 0.3% by weight of the composition / cleaning solution. To improve cleaning, one or more cleaning solvents, preferably hydrophobic cleaning solvents, may also be present. The concentration of the solvent (s), when present, in the final use cleaning solution is preferably from about 0.1% to about 5.0%, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 4.0%, and even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the composition / cleaning solution.

 To facilitate cleaning using conventional accessories, such as fabrics, sponges and mops, such as sponges, tapes or ropes, and to avoid absorption difficulties when using a pad containing superabsorbent materials, the pH is preferably more than about 9, more preferably more than about 9.5 and even more preferably more than about 10. The alkalinity should preferably be provided, at least in part, with volatile materials, in order to avoid the problems associated with the formation of strips / p lenok.

 In order to help align the solution during drying, the composition must contain a polymer that has hydrophilic and shear dilution properties, that is, is capable of inhibiting the molecular aggregation of the surfactant solution on the floors during the drying process to provide one or more useful qualities, such such as the ability to remove from the surface (removability), the exclusion of accumulation, easy distribution of the solution on solid surfaces such as floors, and maintaining a sufficient amount Ode on the surface to level the ingredients remaining on the surface. By “leveling” is meant to minimize sweating of the solution from the surface during drying, which in turn minimizes the formation of streaks. Due to this useful property, the polymer allows the composition to be obtained even at low surfactant concentrations and allows the addition of solvents to facilitate cleaning without film / strip formation. In general, this can also lead to a decrease in surface residue and stickiness of the floors.

 The desired polymer is preferably present only at a very low concentration, i.e. from about 0.0001% to about 0.2%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.0005% to about 0 , 08% by weight of the cleaning solution. The concentration in the product will reflect the type of application, undiluted or diluted. The polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of natural resins, especially xanthan gums, guar gum, Arabian gum and / or pectin; synthetic polymers such as poly (styrene sulfonate), poly (vinylpyrrolidone); and mixtures thereof, as monomers and / or polymers. Xanthan gum is most preferred.

 The detergent surfactant is preferably predominantly linear, for example aromatic groups should not be present, and the detergent surfactant is preferably relatively water soluble, for example having a hydrophobic chain containing from about 8 to about 14, preferably from about 8 to about 12 atoms carbon, and for nonionic detergent surfactants having an HLB of from about 9 to about 14, preferably from about 10 to about 13, more preferably from about 10 to about 12.

 The composition can be used in connection with a conventional hard surface, such as floor cleaners or multi-purpose cleaners, and with conventional cleaning systems and / or mop cleaning systems known in the art, such as sponges and fabrics, such as sponge mops, rope mops, ribbon mops and floor rags. In addition, a preferred aspect of the present invention relates to the use of all-in-one cleaning solutions / formulations plus a cleaning pad system. The cleaning pad preferably contains superabsorbent material and works synergistically with the described detergent composition / solution to provide better final cleaning with great convenience. This cleaning system typically comprises a handle and a removable (removable) cleaning pad containing superabsorbent material and having a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, where each of the substantially flat surfaces is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a pad structure that has both a first layer and a first layer is preferred the second layer, where the first layer is placed between the scrubbing layer and the second layer and has a smaller width than the second layer.

 Depending on the means used to attach the cleaning pad to the handle of the cleaning fixture, it may be preferable that the cleaning pad further comprise a special fixing layer. In these embodiments, the absorbent layer should be placed between the scrubbing layer and the attachment layer.

The detergent composition and, preferably, the device of the present invention are compatible with all substrates of hard surfaces, including wood, vinyl, linoleum, non-waxed floors, ceramics, Formica ^® , porcelain, glass, wall panels and the like. The fixture and detergent composition provide ease of cleaning, especially when a polymer is present to provide easier mop cleaning and better results.

 Figure 1a is a perspective view of a cleaning device used in a preferred embodiment that does not have a liquid distributing device, so that the composition is applied separately.

 Figure Ib is a side view of the handle clamp of the fixture shown in Figure 1a.

 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a removable cleaning pad of a fixture.

 Figure 3 is a perspective view of an absorbent layer of a removable cleaning pad used in a preferred embodiment.

 Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an absorbent layer of a removable cleaning pad used in a preferred embodiment.

 Figure 5a is a bottom view of a cleaning pad used in a preferred embodiment.

 5b is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning pad used in a preferred embodiment along the y-z plane.

Detergent composition
The detergent composition acts as a cleaning solution, either when it is used undiluted or when it is diluted. The composition is obtained by diluting, before use, a more concentrated product with water in a ratio of 1: 50 to 1: 250 parts of water / part of the composition. Therefore, the concentration of the ingredients should be considered in the context of the end use. The necessary polymer is used only at very low concentrations in the cleaning solution. Therefore, any concentrated formulation should be packaged with instructions for dilution to the desired level.

Polymer
As discussed above, the polymer concentration should be low, for example, from about 0.0001% to about 0.2%, preferably from about 0.0001% to about 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.0005% to about 0 , 08% by weight of the composition. This very low concentration is all that is required to get a better final cleaning, higher concentrations can cause streaks / films to form, build up and / or sticky.

 Not wishing to be limited by theory, two physical properties are considered critical for the polymer: hydrophilic nature and shear dilution ability. The hydrophilicity of the polymer is important to ensure the ability to remove (remove) between the cleanings in order to avoid accumulation. The shear dilution property is important to promote an even distribution of the solution during use and in combination with the hydrophilic characteristic helps to provide a leveling effect. By “leveling effect” is meant to minimize sweating of the solution and molecular aggregation, which usually occurs during drying. Molecular aggregation leads to visible streaks / films, which is a sign of poor final cleaning.

 Suitable examples of polymers include cellulosic materials, for example carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, etc., and synthetic hydrophilic polymers, such as polystyrene sulfonate. Most preferred are naturally occurring polymers such as gum arabic, pectin, guar gum and xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is most preferred. Xanthan gum is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,788,006, issued to Bolich on November 29, 1986, in column 5, line 55 to column 6, line 2. Many synthetic polymers can provide this beneficial effect, especially polymers that contain hydrophilic groups, for example carboxylate groups. Other polymers that can provide shear dilution and hydrophilicity include cationic materials that also contain hydrophilic groups, and polymers that contain numerous ether bonds. Cationic materials include cationic derivatives of sugar and / or starch.

 Preferred polymers are those that have higher molecular weights, although molecular weights up to about 5000 may provide some results. In general, polymers should have molecular weights of more than about 10,000, preferably more than about 100,000, more preferably more than about 250,000 and even more preferably more than about 500,000. The molecular weight will usually be from about 10,000 to about 100,000, preferably from about 100,000 to about 1,000,000, more preferably from about 1,000,000 to about 4,000,000, and even more preferably more than 4,000,000.

 Examples of suitable materials for use include polymers, preferably selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, pectin, poly (styrene sulfonate) and mixtures of their monomers and / or polymers. These polymers can also be used in combination with polymers that do not provide a beneficial effect or provide this effect to a lesser extent in order to achieve improved final cleaning. Xanthan gum is most preferred.

The polymer used is preferably a polymer that provides shear dilution, especially to facilitate distribution. Compounds that have the shear dilution property can be used undiluted without modification. Hard surface detergent compositions and particularly preferred detergent compositions described herein should have a viscosity of less than about 250 cPs, preferably less than about 100 cPs, and even more preferably less than about 15 cPs. Viscosity is determined using a Brookfield synchroelectric viscometer, model LVT, manufactured by Brookfield Engineering Laboratory, Inc. , Stoughton, Massachusetts using spindle 1 at 60 rpm and at a temperature of about 20 ^° C. (Constant shear rate of about 13 reverse seconds).

Shear dilution characteristics of, for example, polymers and / or compositions are determined using the Carrimed Controlled Stress Rheometer Model CSL 100 manufactured by Carrimed Ltd., Interpret House, Curtis Road Estate, Dorking, Surry RH 4 IDP, England. The geometry of dual concentric cylinders is used in the rheometer to make shear measurements stable at different shear rates. These measurements are carried out at about 26 ^° C. Shear dilution, the pseudoplastic behavior of the xanthan gum system can be mathematically modeled by the equation N = KR ^n-1 , where N is the apparent viscosity, K is the consistency constant, R is the shear rate and n is the shear index . For best spraying (distribution) results, K and n values should give viscosities below 15 cPs at spray shear rates (~ 10,000 reverse seconds, as reported in the technical literature).

 The behavior of shear dilution is described in US Pat.

Detergent surfactant
Detergent surfactants that are used in hard surface cleaning compositions include anionic, nonionic, amphoteric (including zwitterionic) and cationic detergent surfactants and mixtures thereof. Suitable detergents are well known in the art and include those described in US Pat. No. 4,118,154 to Spadini et al. September 5, 1978; 4,424,408 issued by Imamura et al., January 27, 1981; 4,414,128 issued by Goffinet on November 8, 1983; 4,612,135 issued by Wenzel on September 16, 1986; 4,743,395 issued to Leifheit on May 10, 1988; 4,749,509 issued to Kacher on June 7, 1988; 4,759,967 to Choy et al. July 26, 1988; 4,769,172 issued to Siklosi on September 6, 1988; 4804491 issued by Choy et al. On February 14, 1989 and 4895669 issued by Choy et al. On January 23, 1990.

 Detergent compositions or solutions, especially those to be used with a device containing superabsorbent material, preferably require sufficient detergent to make the solution suitable for cleaning without supersaturation of the superabsorbent material with a solution, but solutions usually cannot have more than about 0. 5% by weight of a solution of a detergent surfactant without compromising its performance. Therefore, the concentration of the detergent surfactant in the cleaning solution should be from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.4%, and even more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.3% by weight of the solution / composition. To improve cleaning, a preferred solution may also contain one or more solvents at a concentration of preferably from about 0.1% to about 5.0%, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 3.0%, and even more preferably from about 0, 5% to about 2.0% solution.

 As discussed above, the pH should be more than about 9.3, preferably more than about 10, more preferably more than about 10.3, to facilitate cleaning when conventional systems such as sponges, fabrics, and mops such as mops are used. sponges, ribbon mops, rope mops, floor rags, etc., and to avoid absorption difficulties when using a pad containing superabsorbent materials, and alkalinity should preferably be provided, at least in part, with volatile materials to avoid problems bands associated with the formation of bands / films.

 The detergent surfactant is preferably linear, for example, branching and aromatic groups should not be present, and the detergent surfactant is preferably relatively water soluble, for example having a hydrophobic chain containing from about 8 to about 14, preferably from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, and for nonionic detergent surfactants having an HLB of from about 9 to about 14, preferably from about 10 to about 13, more preferably from about 10 to about 12.

 The invention also relates to a detergent composition as described herein, in a container with instructions for use with a device containing an effective amount of superabsorbent material, and, optionally, in a container in a kit containing the device or at least a removable cleaning pad, containing superabsorbent material. The invention also relates to the use of a composition and a cleaning pad containing superabsorbent material for the effective cleaning of contaminated surfaces.

 A detergent composition (cleaning solution) is a water-based solution containing one or more detergent surfactants, alkaline materials to provide the desired alkaline pH, and optional solvents, modifying additives, chelating agents, foam suppressants, enzymes, etc. Suitable surfactants include anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants, as discussed above, preferably anionic and nonionic detergent surfactants having hydrophobic chains containing from about 8 to about 14, preferably from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms. Examples of anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, linear alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, and the like. Examples of nonionic surfactants include alkyl ethoxylates and the like. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include betaines and sulfobetaines. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkyl amphoglycinates and alkyliminopropionate. All of these materials are commercially available and are described in McCutcheon's Volume 1: Emulsifiers and Detergents, North American Ed., McCutheon Division, MC Publishing Co., 1997.

Solvent
Suitable solvents include short chain derivatives (e.g. C ₁ -C ₆ ) of hydroxyethylene glycol and hydroxypropylene glycol, such as mono- and diethylene glycol n-hexyl ether, mono-, di- and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether and the like. Other volatile solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol and the like are also preferred in the present invention.

Foam suppressor
Suitable defoamers include silicone polymers and linear or branched C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ fatty acids, paraffins or alcohols. Dow Corning AF (contains: polyethylene glycol stearate (4 wt.%, CAS # 9004993), methylated silica (2 wt.%, CAS # 67762907), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (2 wt.%, CAS # 556672) is preferred.

 An effective antifoam agent, usually from about 0.0005 to about 0.02, preferably from about 0.001 to about 0.01, more preferably from about 0.002 to about 0.003% by weight of the solution / composition, provides technical improvement in the formation of spots and films , especially on ceramic surfaces. The reason for this is that the cement lines on the ceramics create low spots forming foam during the lateral movement of the squeegee. When too much foam forms, it can dry out in stripes. In addition, consumer research shows that foam visible on the floor while mopping is perceived by some consumers as forming films / stripes.

 Reducing the foam on the floor while mopping can provide varying degrees of technical and perceived beneficial effects without leaving films / stripes. The degree of benefit depends on the amount of foam formed and on the degree to which the amount of foam is controlled, especially when wiping with a mop.

 Known antifoam agents may be used, but it is highly desirable to use silicone antifoam agents, as they are effective at very low concentrations and therefore can minimize all the necessary water-insoluble material while having at least an effective amount of antifoam present.

Modifying additives
Suitable modifying additives include soluble additives, especially an alkali metal, for example sodium and / or potassium, and / or an amine, and / or a substituted amine, salts of conventional modifying additives, including those obtained from phosphorous sources such as orthophosphate and pyrophosphate, and non-phosphorous sources such as nitrile triacetic acid, S, S-ethylenediamino di succinic acid and the like. Suitable chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid, and the like.

Optional ingredients
Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases, amylases and other enzymes known to be useful for catalyzing the degradation of dirt. The total concentration of such ingredients is low, preferably less than about 0.1%, more preferably less than about 0.05%, to avoid problems with the formation of films / bands. Preferably, the compositions should be substantially free of materials that cause film / strip formation problems. Accordingly, for most of the buffering action, it is desirable to use alkaline materials that do not cause the formation of films and / or bands. Suitable alkaline buffers are carbonate, bicarbonate, citrate, etc. Preferred alkaline buffers are alkanolamines having the formula CR ₂ (NH ₂ ) CR ₂ OH, where each R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing from one to four carbon atoms, and the sum of carbon atoms in the compound is 3-6, preferably 2-amino-2-methylpropanol.

A suitable cleaning solution for use with the device of the invention contains from about 0.05% to about 0.3% detergent surfactant, preferably containing a linear alcohol ethoxylate detergent surfactant (e.g. Neodol 1-5 ^® , from Shell Chemical Co.) and an alkylsulfonate (e.g., Bioterge ^® PAS-8s, a linear C ₈ sulfonate from Stepan Co.), from about 0.5 to about 2.0% of a propylene glycol n-butyl ether (Dow Co.), from about 0.5% to about 3.0% ethanol (Quantum chemicals), from about 0.05% to about 0.25% volatile alkaline material, for example ep 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, optional additives such as dyes and / or perfumes, and from about 99.9% to about 90% deionized or softened water.

ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM PLUS CLEANING PILLOW
The attachment system plus cleaning pad is preferably based on comfort. Therefore, it is preferable to use a device that contains a cleaning pad, preferably removable and / or removable (removable), which contains superabsorbent material and which preferably also provides a significant cleaning beneficial effect. Preferred useful cleaning characteristics relate to the preferred structural characteristics described below, in combination with the ability of the cushion to work synergistically with this invention to remove dirt. A cleaning pad, as described here, requires the use of a detergent composition, as described below, to ensure optimum performance.

The cleaning pads will preferably have an absorption capacity when measured at a limiting pressure of 0.62 kPa (0.09 psi) after 20 minutes (1200 seconds) (hereinafter referred to as “absorption capacity (capacity) t ₁₂₀₀ )), at least about 10 g of deionized water per g of cleaning pad The absorption capacity of the pad is measured 20 minutes (1200 seconds) after being exposed to deionized water, as this is the usual time for the consumer to clean a hard surface such as the floor. The cleaning pressure is the usual pressure applied to the pad during the cleaning process. As such, the cleaning pad should be able to absorb significant amounts of cleaning solution during this period of 1200 seconds at 0.62 kPa (0.09 psi). The cleaning pad will preferably have the absorption capacity of t ₁₂₀₀ , at least about 15 g / g, more preferably at least about 20 g / g, even more preferably at least about 25 g / g and most preferably at least about 30 g / g The cleaning pad will preferably have an absorption capacity of t ₉₀₀ of at least about 10 g / g, more preferably an absorption capacity of t ₉₀₀ of at least about 20 g / g.

The absorbance values of t ₁₂₀₀ and t ₉₀₀ are measured by the pressure mode method (referred to herein as “PUP”), which is described in detail in the Test Methods section below.

 Cleaning pads will also preferably, but not necessarily, have a total liquid (deionized water) capacity of at least about 100 g, more preferably at least about 200 g, even more preferably at least about 300 g and most preferably at least about 400 g. Although pillows having a total liquid capacity of less than 100 g are within the scope of the invention, they are not well suited for cleaning large areas, such as in ordinary households, such as pillows with more in high ability.

A. Absorbent Layer
The absorbent layer serves to hold any liquid and dirt absorbed by the cleaning pad during use. Although the preferred scrubbing layer described below has some effect on the ability of the cushion to absorb liquid, the absorbent layer plays a major role in achieving the desired overall absorption capacity. In addition, the absorbent layer preferably contains composite layers that are adapted to provide a cleaning pad with numerous flat surfaces.

 Based on the prospect of liquid absorption, the absorbent layer will be able to remove liquid and dirt from any “scrubbing layer” so that the scrubbing layer is able to continuously remove dirt from the surface. The absorbent layer must also be able to hold the absorbed material at normal pressures in use to avoid squeezing the absorbed dirt, cleaning solution, etc.

 The absorbent layer may contain any material that is capable of absorbing and retaining liquid during use. In order to achieve the desired overall liquid productivity, it is preferable to include in the absorbent layer a material having a relatively high capacity (expressed in grams of liquid per gram of absorbent material). As used herein, the term “superabsorbent material” means any absorbent material having a water capacity of at least about 15 g / g when measured at a limiting pressure of 2.06 kPa (0.3 psi). The cleaning solutions (compositions) disclosed above are aqueous, so it is preferred that the superabsorbent materials have a relatively high ability in g / g for water or water-based liquids.

 Typical superabsorbent materials include water-insoluble, water-swellable superabsorbent gelling polymers (called "superabsorbent gelling polymers"), which are well known in the literature. These materials demonstrate very high absorption capacity for water. The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention can have sizes, shapes and / or morphologies that vary widely. These polymers can be in the form of particles that do not have a large ratio of the largest to smallest size (for example, granules, flakes obtained by spraying particles, interparticle aggregates, interparticle crosslinked aggregates and the like), or they can be in the form of fibers, sheets, films, foams, laminated materials and the like. The use of superabsorbent gelling polymers in fibrous form provides a benefit in providing improved retention of superabsorbent material compared to particles during the cleaning process. Although their ability is generally lower for water-based mixtures, these materials still exhibit significant absorption capacity for such mixtures. In the patent literature there are many descriptions of water-swellable materials. See, for example, U.S. Patent 3,699,103 (Harper et al.), Issued June 13, 1972, U.S. Patent 3,770,731 (Harmon), issued June 20, 1972, reissued U.S. Pat. U.S. 4834735 (Alemany et al.), Issued May 30, 1989.

 The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in this invention include a variety of water-insoluble but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of liquids. Such polymeric materials are also commonly referred to as "hydrocolloids" and may include polysaccharides such as carboxymethyl starch, carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose; non-ionic types such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl ethers; cationic types such as polyvinyl pyridine, polyvinyl morpholinone and N, N-dimethylaminoethyl or N, N-diethylaminopropyl acrylates and methacrylates, and their corresponding quaternary salts. Typically, superabsorbent gelling polymers that are useful have many anionic functional groups, such as a sulfonic acid group and, more typically, a carboxy group. Examples of polymers suitable for use include those obtained from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. Therefore, such monomers include olefinic unsaturated acids and anhydrides that contain at least one carbon-carbon olefinic double bond. More specifically, these monomers can be selected from olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids and acid anhydrides, olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof.

 Some non-acidic monomers may also be included, usually in small amounts, in the preparation of superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the invention. Such non-acidic monomers may include, for example, water-soluble or water-dispersible esters containing acid monomers, as well as monomers that do not contain any carboxylic or sulfonic acid groups. Optional non-acidic monomers may thus include monomers containing the following types of functional groups: carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid ester groups, hydroxyl groups, amide groups, amino groups, nitrile groups, quaternary ammonium salt groups, aryl groups (e.g., phenyl groups, such as groups derived from styrene monomer). These non-acidic monomers are well-known materials and are described in more detail, for example, in US patent 4076663 (Masuda et al.), Issued February 28, 1978, and in US patent 4062817 (Westerman), issued December 13, 1977.

 Monomers of olefinic unsaturated carboxylic acid and carboxylic anhydride include acrylic acids represented by acrylic acid as such, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, α-chloroacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, β-methacrylic acid (crotonic acid), α-phenylacrylic acid β-acryloxypropionic acid, sorbic acid, α-chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, cinnamic acid, p-chlorocinnamic acid, β-sterylacrylic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, mesaconic acid, glutaconic acid, aconitic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tricarboxyethylene and maleic anhydride.

 Olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acid monomers include aliphatic or aromatic vinyl sulfonic acids such as vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, vinyl toluenesulfonic acid and styrene sulfonic acid; acrylic and methacrylic sulfonic acid such as sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl methacrylate, sulfopropyl acrylate, sulfopropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl sulfonic acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid.

 Preferred superabsorbent gelling polymers for use in this invention contain carboxy groups. These polymers include hydrolyzed grafted starch and acrylonitrile grafted copolymers, partially neutralized hydrolyzed starch and acrylonitrile grafted copolymers, grafted starch and acrylic acid grafted copolymers, partially neutralized grafted starch and acrylic acid copolymers, saponified acrylate-acrylamide-acrylate acrylamide copolymers of acrylamide crosslinked cross-linked polymers of any of the above copolymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic acid and weakly crosslinked cross-linked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid. These polymers can be used either as such or as a mixture of two or more different polymers. Examples of such polymeric materials are disclosed in US patent 3661875, US patent 4076663, US patent 4093776, US patent 4666983 and US patent 4734478.

 Most of the preferred polymeric materials for use in the preparation of superabsorbent gelling polymers are weakly crosslinked crosslinked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acids and their derivatives with starch. Most preferably, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers contain from about 50% to about 95%, preferably about 75%, of a neutralized, weakly crosslinked net polyacrylic acid (e.g. poly (sodium acrylate / acrylic acid)). Mesh crosslinking makes the polymer substantially water insoluble and partially determines the absorption capacity and characteristics of the extractable polymer content of superabsorbent gelling polymers. Net crosslinking methods of these polymers and typical crosslinking crosslinking agents are described in more detail in US Pat. No. 4,076,663.

 Although superabsorbent gelling polymers of the same type (i.e. homogeneous) are preferred, polymer blends can also be used in devices used in the preferred embodiment. For example, mixtures of grafted copolymers of starch and acrylic acid and weakly crosslinked crosslinked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid can be used in this invention.

 Although any of the superabsorbent gelling polymers described in the prior art may be useful in the present invention, it has recently been found that when significant amounts (e.g., more than about 50% by weight of the absorbent structure) of superabsorbent gelling polymers are to be included in the absorbent structure and, in particular, when one or more sections of the absorbent layer will contain more than about 50% by weight of the area, the problem of blocking the gel with swollen particles may interfere with eye of fluid and thereby adversely affect the ability of the gelling polymers to absorb to their full capacity in the desired period of time. US patent 5147343 (Kellenberger et al.), Issued September 15, 1992, and US patent 5149335 (Kellenberger et al.), Issued September 22, 1992, describe superabsorbent gelling polymers in relation to their absorption capacity under load (AUL), where gelling polymers absorb liquid (0.9% saline) under a limiting pressure of 2.06 kPa (0.3 psi). (The contents of each of these patents are included in the description). Methods for determining AUL are described in these patents. The polymers described therein may be particularly useful in embodiments of the present invention that contain regions of relatively high concentrations of superabsorbent gelling polymers. In particular, when high concentrations of a superabsorbent gelling polymer are included in a cleaning pad, these polymers should preferably have an AUL, measured according to the methods described in US Pat. No. 5,147,343, at least about 24 ml / g, more preferably at least about 27 ml / g after 1 hour, or AUL, measured according to the methods described in US patent. 5149335, at least about 15 ml / g, more preferably at least about 18 ml / g after 15 minutes. U.S. applications pending with assigned serial numbers 08/219547 (Goldman et al.), Filed March 29, 1994, and 08/416396 (Goldman et al.), Filed April 6, 1995, also address gel blocking issues and describe superabsorbent gelling agents. polymers useful to overcome this phenomenon. These applications specifically describe superabsorbent gelling polymers that avoid blocking the gel even at higher limiting pressures, specifically 4.8 kPa (0.7 psi). In embodiments of the present invention, where the absorbent layer will contain areas containing high concentrations (for example, more than about 50% by weight of the area) of the superabsorbent gelling polymer, it may be preferable that the superabsorbent gelling polymer be as described in the aforementioned Goldman applications and other

 Other useful superabsorbent materials include hydrophilic polymer foams, such as those described in the pending U.S. patent application, assigned serial 08/563866 (DesMarais et al.), Filed November 29, 1995, and US patent 5387207 (Dyer et al. ), issued February 1, 1995. These references describe polymer hydrophilic absorbent foams that are prepared by polymerizing a high-internal phase water-in-oil emulsion (commonly referred to as HIPE). These foams are easily specially adapted to provide changing physical properties (pore size, capillary absorption, density, etc.), which affects the ability to handle the liquid. As such, these materials are especially useful, either as such, or in combination with other such foams or with fibrous structures to provide an overall capacity.

 When the superabsorbent material is included in the absorbent layer, the absorbent layer will preferably contain at least about 15% by weight of the absorbent layer, more preferably at least about 20%, even more preferably at least about 25% of the absorbent material .

The absorbent layer may also consist of or contain fibrous material. Fibers useful in this invention include those that are found in nature (modified or unmodified), as well as synthetically obtained fibers. Examples of suitable unmodified / modified naturally occurring fibers include cotton, esparato grass, bagasse, hemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp, chemically modified wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate. Suitable synthetic fibers can be made from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics such as ORLON ^®, polyvinyl acetate, RAYON ^®, polyethylvinyl acetate, non-soluble or soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethylene (e.g., PULPEX ^®) and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, polyesters such as DACRON ^® or KODEL ^®, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, and the like. The absorbent layer may contain only naturally occurring fibers, only synthetic fibers, or any compatible combination of naturally occurring and synthetic fibers.

The fibers useful in the invention may be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or may be a combination of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As indicated above, the specific choice of hydrophilic or hydrophobic fibers will depend on other materials included in the adsorbent layer (and to some extent in the scrubbing layer). That is, the nature of the fibers is preferably such that the cleaning pad detects a preferred fluid retention and overall fluid absorption. Suitable for use in this invention, hydrophilic fibers include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic fibers, rayon, polyester fibers such as hydrophilic nylon (HYDROFIL ^®). Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be obtained by hydrophilization of hydrophobic fibers, such as surface-treated or silica-treated thermoplastic fibers, obtained for example
from polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylic compounds, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like.

 Suitable wood pulp fibers can be prepared by well-known chemical processes such as sulfate and sulfite pulping processes. It is particularly preferable to obtain these fibers from wood pulp from southern softwood due to its good absorption characteristics. These wood pulp fibers can also be obtained by mechanical processes such as pulp production, mechanical grinding, thermomechanical, chemical-mechanical and chemical-thermomechanical. Recycled or recycled wood pulp fibers as well as bleached and unbleached wood pulp fibers can be used.

 Another type of hydrophilic fiber for use in this invention is chemically hardened (thickened) cellulose fiber. In the description, the term “chemically hardened cellulosic fibers” means cellulosic fibers that have been hardened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of the fibers in both dry and aqueous conditions. Such agents may include the addition of a chemical reinforcing agent that, for example, coats and / or impregnates the fibers. Such agents may also include fiber hardening by altering the chemical structure, for example by crosslinking polymer chains.

 When fibers are used as the absorbent layer (or its constituent component), the fibers can optionally be combined with a thermoplastic material. During melting, at least a portion of this thermoplastic material migrates to fiber intersections, usually due to interfiber capillary gradients. These intersections become bond points for the thermoplastic material. Upon cooling, the thermoplastic materials at these intersections solidify to form bond points that hold the matrix or web of fibers together in each of the respective layers. This can be useful for adding extra overall integrity to the cleansing pad.

 Along with its various effects, bonding at the intersection of the fibers increases the overall modulus of compression and the strength of the resulting thermally bonded element. In the case of chemically hardened cellulose fibers, the melting and migration of the thermoplastic material also has the effect of increasing the average pore size of the resulting web, while maintaining the density and basis weight of the web, as the original formed. This can improve the stiffness properties of a thermally bonded web at the initial exposure to the liquid, due to improved liquid permeability, and subsequent exposure, due to the combined ability of the hardened fibers to maintain their stiffness upon wetting and the ability of the thermoplastic material to remain bound at the intersection of the fibers upon wetting and compression in the wet state. In the structure, the thermally bonded webs of the hardened fibers retain their original total volume, but the bulk portions previously occupied by the thermoplastic material become open to thereby increase the average size of interfiber capillary pores.

The thermoplastic materials useful in this invention may be in any of a variety of forms, including particles, fibers, or combinations of particles and fibers. Thermoplastic fibers are a particularly preferred form due to their ability to form multiple interfiber links. Suitable thermoplastic materials can be obtained from any thermoplastic polymer that can melt at temperatures that will not significantly damage the fibers that the primary web or matrix of each layer contains. Preferably, the melting temperature of this thermoplastic material will be less than about 190 ^{° C.} and preferably between about 75 ^{° C.} and about 175 ^° C. In any case, the melting temperature of this thermoplastic material should be no lower than the temperature at which there remains the possibility of maintaining thermally bound absorbent structures when used in cleaning pads. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic material is usually not lower than about 50 ^o C.

Thermoplastic materials and, in particular, thermoplastic fibers can be made of a variety of thermoplastic polymers, including polyolefins, such as polyethylene (e.g. PULPEX ^® ) and polypropylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene compounds, polyacrylamides, polyacrylates , copolyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and copolymers of any of the above, such as vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate and the like. Depending on the required characteristics for the resulting thermally bonded absorbent element, suitable thermoplastic materials include hydrophobic fibers that are made hydrophilic, such as surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermoplastic fibers obtained, for example, from polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene , polyacrylic compounds, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. The surface of a hydrophobic thermoplastic fiber can be rendered hydrophilic by treating with a surfactant such as a nonionic and / or anionic surfactant, for example by spraying a surfactant onto a fiber, by dipping the fiber in a surfactant, or by incorporating a surfactant active substance as part of a polymer melt in the production of thermoplastic fiber. Upon melting and re-curing, the surfactant will tend to remain on the surfaces of the thermoplastic fiber. Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as Brij ^® 76, manufactured by ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington, Delware, and various surfactants sold under the trademark Pegosperse ^® Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut. In addition to nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be applied to thermoplastic fibers in amounts, for example, from about 0.2 to about 1 g / cm ² thermoplastic fiber.

 Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made of one polymer (single component fibers) or can be made of more than one polymer (for example, two component fibers). As used herein, “bicomponent fibers” refers to thermoplastic fibers that contain a core fiber made from one polymer that is enclosed within a thermoplastic sheath made from another polymer. A polymer comprising a shell often melts at a different, usually lower temperature, than a polymer comprising a core. As a result, such bicomponent fibers provide thermal bonding due to melting of the shell polymer while maintaining the required strength characteristics of the core polymer.

Suitable bicomponent fibers may include sheath / core fibers having the following polymer combinations: polyethylene / polypropylene, polyethylene vinyl acetate / polypropylene, polyethylene / polyester, polypropylene / polyester, copolyester / polyester and the like. Particularly suitable for use bicomponent thermoplastic fibers are those which have a core of polypropylene or polyester and a sheath of lower melting copolyester, polyethylvinyl acetate or polyethylene (e.g., such as from Danaklon a / s, Chisso Corp., and CELBOND ^®, from Hercules) . Such bicomponent fibers may be concentric or eccentric. In the description, the terms “concentric” and “eccentric” refer to whether the sheath has a thickness that is the same or unequal in cross-sectional area of the bicomponent fiber. Eccentric bicomponent fibers may be desirable to provide greater compressive strength at smaller fiber thicknesses.

 Methods for preparing thermally bonded fibrous materials are described in U.S. serial application 08/479096 (Richards et al.), Filed July 3, 1995 (see especially pages 16-20), and US Pat. No. 5,549,589 (Nogneey et al.) issued August 27, 1996 (see especially columns 9-10).

 The absorbent layer may also contain HIPE-produced hydrophilic polymer foam, which does not have the high absorption capacity of those materials described above as "superabsorbent materials". Such foams and methods for their preparation are described in U.S. Pat.

 The absorbent layer of the cleaning pad may consist of a homogeneous material, such as a mixture of cellulose fibers (optionally thermally bonded) and a swellable superabsorbent gelling polymer. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may consist of discrete layers of material, such as a layer of thermally bonded material obtained by coating with air, and a discrete layer of superabsorbent material. For example, a thermally bonded layer of cellulosic fibers can be placed lower than (i.e., below) a superabsorbent material (i.e., between a superabsorbent material and a scrubbing layer). In order to achieve high absorption capacity and the retention of liquids under pressure, while at the same time providing an initial delay in fluid absorption, it may be preferable to use such discrete layers to form the absorbent layer. In this regard, the superabsorbent material can be placed away from the scrubbing layer by including a less absorbent layer as the lowermost side of the absorbent layer. For example, a layer of cellulosic fibers can be placed lower (i.e., below) than a superabsorbent material (i.e., between a superabsorbent material and a scrubbing layer).

 In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent layer will comprise a thermally bonded, air-coated cellulosic fiber web (Flint River from Weyrhaeuser, Wa, and AL Thermal C - thermoplastic material from Danaklon a / s, Varde, Denmark) and a swellable superabsorbent hydrogel-forming polymer. The superabsorbent polymer is preferably introduced so that the discrete layer is placed near the surface of the absorbent layer, which is remote from the scrubbing layer. Preferably, a thin layer of, for example, cellulosic fibers (optionally thermally bonded) is placed over a superabsorbent gelling polymer to improve retention.

B. Optional, but preferred scrubbing layer
The scrubbing layer is part of the cleaning pad that contacts the contaminated surface during cleaning. As such, materials useful as a scrubbing layer are preferably sufficiently strong so that the layer will maintain its integrity during the cleaning process. Furthermore, when a cleaning pad is used in combination with a solution, the scrubbing layer is preferably capable of absorbing liquids and dirt and transferring these liquids and dirt to the absorbent layer. This will ensure that the scrubbing layer is able to continuously remove additional material from the surface being cleaned. Whether the device is used with a cleaning solution (i.e., in a wet state) or without a cleaning solution (i.e. in a dry state), the scrubbing layer will, in addition to removing particles, facilitate other functions, such as glossing, dusting and polishing the surface to be cleaned.

 The scrubbing layer may be a monolayer or multilayer structure, one or more layers of which can be cut to facilitate the abrasion of the contaminated surface and the absorption of particles. This scrubbing layer, when it passes over the contaminated surface, interacts with the dirt (and the cleaning solution when used), loosening and emulsifying dense impurities and allowing them to freely pass into the absorbent layer of the pillow. The scrubbing layer preferably contains openings (e.g., slots) that provide an easy path for larger dirt particles to move freely and be trapped inside the absorbent layer of the pad. Low density structures are preferred for use as a scrubbing layer to facilitate particle transfer to the absorbent layer of the pad.

In order to provide desired integrity, materials particularly suitable for the scrubbing layer include synthetics such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, synthetic pulp (e.g., RAYON ^®) and mixtures thereof. Such synthetic materials can be made using a known method, such as carding, twisting, melt blowing, air flow coating, needle piercing, and the like.

C. Optional attachment layer
The cleaning pads of the present invention may optionally have an attachment layer that allows the pad to be attached to the handle of the fixture or the support (support) head in the preferred fixtures. An attachment layer will be necessary in those cases where the absorbent layer is not suitable for attaching the cushion to the support head of the handle. The attachment layer may also function as a means to prevent fluid from flowing through the upper surface (i.e., the surface in contact with the handle) of the cleaning pad and may further provide improved pad integrity. Like the scraper and absorbent layers, the attachment layer may consist of a single layer and multi-layer structure, as long as it meets the above requirements.

 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment layer will comprise a surface that is capable of mechanically attaching to the handle support head by using the known hook and loop fastening method. In such an embodiment, the attachment layer will comprise at least one surface that can be mechanically attached to hooks that are permanently attached to the bottom surface of the handle support head.

 In order to achieve the required liquid impermeability and the possibility of attachment, it is preferable that a layered structure is used, containing, for example, a film formed by melt blowing and a fibrous non-woven structure. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment layer is a three-layer material having a meltblown layer of polypropylene film sandwiched between two layers of twisted (tangled) polypropylene fibers.

D. Optional, but preferred, numerous flat surfaces
Although the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb and retain liquids has been determined to be important for hard surface cleaning performance (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/756507 (Holt et al.), U.S. Patent Application Pending) serial 08/756864 (Sherry et al.) and the pending US patent application serial 08/756999 (Holt et al., all filed November 26, 1996), preferred characteristics can be achieved by defining up to a false image of the overall structure of the cleaning pad. In particular, cushions having a substantially flat surface in contact with the floor (i.e., essentially one flat surface for contacting a contaminated surface during cleaning) do not provide the best performance because dirt tends to accumulate on the lead the edge, which is also an important point where the cleaning solution is transferred to the absorbent layer.

Preferred pillows have numerous flat surfaces during cleaning and provide improved performance. In FIG. 2, the cleaning pad 100 has an upper surface 103 that allows the pad to be releasably attached to the handle. The cleaning pad 100 also has a bottom surface 110 that contacts the floor or other hard surface during cleaning. This bottom surface 110 actually consists of 3 substantially planar surfaces 112, 114 and 116. The planes corresponding to the surfaces 112 and 116 intersect with the plane corresponding to the surface 114. Therefore, when the fixture to which the pillow 100 is attached is moved from the state rest in the direction indicated by Y _f , friction causes the pillow 100 to “oscillate” so that the bottom surface 112 is in contact with the surface being cleaned. When the movement in the Y _f direction is weakened, then the bottom surface 114 will come into contact with the surface being cleaned. When the tool and the pillow are moved from the resting state in the Y _b direction, the friction causes the pillow 100 to oscillate so that the bottom surface 116 is in contact with the surface being cleaned. When this cleaning movement is repeated, the portion of the cushion in contact with the contaminated surface is constantly replaced.

 It is believed that the improved cleaning of the preferred pillows is partly a consequence of the "lifting" action, which is the result of the reciprocating movement during cleaning. In particular, when the cleaning movement in one direction is stopped and the forces exerted on the device allow the cushion 100 to “oscillate” so that the flat surface in contact with the surface being cleaned moves from surface 112 (or 116) to surface 114, the dirt moves upward.

 The cleaning pad of the present invention should be able to retain absorbed liquid even during pressures applied during the cleaning process. This is regarded as the ability of the cleaning pad to eliminate the “squeezing” of the absorbed liquid or, conversely, its ability to hold the absorbed liquid under pressure. The method for measuring push-ups is described in the Test Methods section. In short, the test measures the ability of a saturated cleaning pad to retain fluid when exposed to a pressure of 1.66 kPa (0.25 psi). Preferably, the cleaning pads of the present invention will have a push-up value of not more than about 40%, more preferably not more than about 25%, even more preferably not more than about 15%, and most preferably not more than about 10%.

CLEANING DEVICES
The detergent compositions described above can be desirably used with a surface cleaner that includes a handle and a removable (removable) cleaning pad containing an effective amount of superabsorbent material and having a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, where each of the substantially flat surfaces is in contact with the surface to be cleaned surface. More preferably, said pad is a removable cleaning pad having a length and a width, the pad comprising a scrubbing layer and an absorbent layer comprising a first layer and a second layer, where the first layer is sandwiched between the scrubbing layer and the second layer (i.e., the first layer is below the second layer) and has a smaller width than the second layer.

 An important aspect of the cleaning characteristics provided by the preferred pad relates to the ability to provide numerous flat surfaces that come in contact with the contaminated surface during the cleaning operation. With regard to a cleaning device, such as a mop, these flat surfaces are provided so that during the normal cleaning operation (i.e., when the device is moved back and forth in a direction substantially parallel to the Y-dimension or the width of the pad), each of the flat surfaces contacts with the surface being cleaned as a result of the “oscillation” of the cleaning pad. This aspect of the invention and the advantages obtained are discussed in detail with reference to the figures.

 The specialist will understand that various materials can be used to implement the claimed invention. So, although preferred materials are described below for the various components of the device and the cleaning pad, it should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to such disclosures.

Lever
The handle of said cleaning device may be made of any material that will facilitate the gripping of the cleaning device. The handle of the cleaning device will preferably comprise any elongated, durable material that will provide practical cleaning. The length of the handle will be determined by the end use of the device.

The handle will preferably comprise a support (support) head at one end, to which a cleaning pad can be releasably attached. To facilitate use, the support head can be rotatably attached to the handle using known connecting nodes. Any suitable means may be used to secure the cleaning pad to the support head while the cleaning pad remains attached during the cleaning process. Examples of suitable agents include attach clamps, hooks & loops (e.g., VELCRO ^®) and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the support head will comprise hooks on its lower surface, which will be mechanically attached to the upper layer (preferably a separate fixing layer) of the absorbent cleaning pad.

 A preferred handle containing liquid distribution means is shown in FIG. 1a and described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/756774 filed November 15, 1996 by V. S. Ping et al. (Case 6383). Another preferred handle, which does not contain liquid distribution means, is depicted in FIGS. 1a and 1b and is described in detail in the pending US patent application Serial 08/716755, filed September 23, 1996 A.J. Irwin et al. (P&G Case 6262).

Cleaning pillow
The cleaning pads described above can be used without being attached to the handle or as part of the above cleaning device. Therefore, they can be designed without having to be attached to the handle, i.e. so that they can be used either in combination with a handle or as a separate item. Thus, it may be preferable to make pillows with an optional attachment layer, as described previously. With the exception of the attachment layer, the pillows themselves are the same as described above.

 In the description, the term “direct fluid communication” means that the fluid can be easily transferred between two components or layers of a cleaning pad (i.e., a scrubbing layer and an absorbent layer) without significant accumulation, transfer or limitation of the layer that appears between them. For example, fabrics, nonwoven webs, structural binders, and the like may be present between two separate components, while providing “direct fluid communication” as long as they do not substantially interfere or contain the liquid when it passes from one component or layer to another.

 In the description, the term "Z-size" refers to the size perpendicular to the length and width of the cleaning pad of the present invention or its component. The Z-size usually corresponds to the thickness of the cleaning pad or pillow component.

 In the description, the term "X-Y-dimension" refers to a plane perpendicular to the thickness of the cleaning pad or its component. X- and Y-sizes usually correspond to the length and width of the cleaning pad or pillow component, respectively. Typically, when a cleaning pad is used in conjunction with a handle, the fixture will be moved in a direction parallel to the Y-size of the pad (see discussion below).

 In the description, the term “layer” refers to an element or component of a cleaning pad, the main dimension of which is X-Y, i.e. along its length and width. It should be understood that the term “layer” is not necessarily limited to individual layers or sheets of material. Thus, the layer may contain laminated materials or combinations of several sheets or webs of the required types of materials. Accordingly, the term “layer” includes the terms “layers” and “layered”.

As used herein, the term “hydrophilic” is used to refer to surfaces that are wettable aqueous fluids placed on them. Hydrophilicity and wettability are usually determined in terms of the contact angle and surface tension of liquids and the solid surfaces involved. This is discussed in detail in a publication by the American Chemical Society, entitled Contact Angle, Wettability and Adhesion, published by Robert F. Gould (Copyright 1964). A surface is called a wettable liquid (i.e., hydrophilic), either when the contact angle between the liquid and the surface is less than 90 ^° , or when the liquid tends to spontaneously spread over the surface, usually both conditions coexist. On the contrary, the surface is considered "hydrophobic" if the contact angle is more than 90 ^o and the liquid is not distributed spontaneously over the surface.

 In the description, the term "coarse canvas" refers to any durable material that provides texture on the surface contacting side of the scrubbing layer of the cleaning pad and also has a sufficient degree of openness to allow necessary fluid movement to the absorbent layer of the cleaning pad. Suitable materials include materials that have a continuous open structure, such as sieves of synthetic and wire mesh. The open areas of these materials can be easily adjusted by changing the number of interlocking strands that the mesh contains, by adjusting the thickness of these interlocking strands, etc. Other suitable materials include those whose texture is provided by a discontinuous pattern printed on a substrate. In this aspect, a durable material (eg, synthetic) can be printed onto a substrate in the form of a continuous or discontinuous pattern, such as individual dots / lines, to provide the desired texture. Similarly, a continuous or intermittent pattern can be printed on the material to be separated, which will then act as a coarse canvas. These patterns may be repeating or they may be erratic. It should be understood that one or more of the approaches described to provide the desired texture can be combined to form the optional coarse canvas material. The height of the Z direction and the open area of the coarse canvas and / or the scrubbing substrate layer help to regulate and / or slow down the flow of fluid into the absorbent material of the core. The height Z of the coarse canvas and / or scrubbing substrate helps provide means for regulating the volume of liquid in contact with the cleaning surface, while at the same time adjusting the rate of absorption of the liquid, the fluid communication into the absorbent material of the core.

 For the purposes of this invention, the “top” layer of the cleaning pad is a layer that is relatively remote from the surface to be cleaned (i.e., relatively closer to the handle of the fixture during use). The term “lower” layer, in contrast, refers to a layer of a cleaning pad that is relatively closer to the surface to be cleaned (ie, relatively remote from the handle of the fixture during use). As such, the scrubbing layer is the lowest layer, and the absorbent layer is the top layer with respect to the scrubbing layer. The terms “upper” and “lower” are used in relation to layers that are multilayer (for example, when the scrubbing layer is a two-layer material). The terms “above” and “below” are used to describe the relative locations of two or more materials in the thickness of a cleaning pad. To illustrate, material A is “above” material B if material B is closer to the scrubbing layer than material A. Similarly, material B is “below” material A in this illustration.

 All percentages, ratios and proportions used in the description are taken by weight, unless otherwise indicated, and all numerical limits are normal approximations within the normal limits of accuracy.

OTHER CLEANING PILLOW OPTIONS
To increase the ability of the cushion to remove thick residual dirt and increase the amount of cleaning fluid in contact with the cleaning surface, it may be desirable to include coarse canvas material in the cleaning cushion. The coarse canvas will contain a strong, dense material that will provide texture to the scrubbing layer of the pillow, especially when pressure is applied to the pillow during use. Preferably, the coarse canvas will be placed so that it is in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned. Thus, coarse canvas may be included as part of the scrubbing layer or absorbent layer, or it may be included as a separate layer, preferably located between the scrubbing layer and the absorbent layer. In one preferred embodiment, where the coarse canvas material is the same XY size as the entire cleaning pad, it is preferable that the coarse canvas material be included so that it does not directly contact, to a significant degree, the surface being cleaned. This will maintain the ability of the cushion to move easily on a hard surface and will help prevent uneven removal of the cleaning solution used. So, if the coarse canvas is part of the scrubbing layer, it will be the top layer of this component. Of course, the coarse canvas at the same time should be located low enough in the pillow to provide its scratching function. So, if coarse canvas is included as part of the absorbent layer, it will be its bottom layer. In a particular embodiment, it may be desirable to place the coarse canvas so that it is in direct contact with the surface being cleaned.

 In addition to the importance of properly positioning the coarse canvas, there is the fact that the coarse canvas does not substantially impede the flow of fluid through the pillow. Therefore, coarse canvas is a relatively open canvas.

 Coarse canvas material can be any material that can be processed to provide a sturdy canvas with an open texture. Such materials include polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides and the like. One skilled in the art will appreciate that these various materials exhibit varying degrees of stiffness. Therefore, the stiffness of the material of the coarse canvas can be adjusted depending on the end use of the pillow / fixture. When coarse canvas is included as a discrete layer, many commercial sources of such materials are available (e.g., project number V01230 from Conwed Plastics, Minneapolis, MN). Alternatively, coarse canvas can be incorporated by imprinting a resin or other synthetic material (e.g., latex) on a substrate as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,745,021 to Ping, III et al. May 17, 1988, and US Pat. , III et al. March 29, 1988.

 The various layers that the cleaning pad contains can be bonded together using any means that ensure sufficient integrity of the pad during the cleaning process. The scraper and attachment layers can be attached to the absorbent layer or to each other by any of a variety of binders, including the use of a uniform continuous binder layer, a binder layer in the form of a pattern, or any number of separate lines, spirals or dots of the binder. Alternatively, the binding agents may comprise heat compounds, pressure compounds, ultrasonic compounds, dynamic mechanical compounds, or any other suitable binding agents or combinations of these binding agents that are known in the art. The connection may be around the perimeter of the cleaning pad (for example, hot pouring the scrubbing layer and optionally an adhesive layer and / or rough canvas material) and / or over the entire area (i.e., in the XY plane) of the cleaning pad so as to form a pattern on the surface of the cleaning pad pillows. The joining of the layers of the cleaning pad by ultrasonic welding to form bonds over the area of the pad will ensure integrity in order to avoid displacement of the individual layers of the pad during use.

 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a removable (removable) cleaning pad 200 comprising a scrubbing layer 201, an attachment layer 203 and an absorbent layer 205 located between the scrubbing layer and the attachment layer. The cleaning pad 200 is not depicted as having numerous substantially flat surfaces. As indicated above, although figure 3 depicts each of the layers 201, 203 and 205 as a single layer of material, one or more of these layers may consist of a layered material of two or more layers. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the scrubbing layer 201 is a double-layered carded polypropylene laminate, where the bottom layer is cut through. Also, although not shown in FIG. 3, materials that do not inhibit fluid flow can be placed between the scrubbing layer 201 and the absorbent layer 205 and / or between the absorbent layer 205 and the attachment layer 203. However, it is important that the scrubbing and absorbing layers have substantial fluid communication to provide the necessary absorbency of the cleaning pad. Although figure 3 depicts a pad 200 as having all layers of a pad of equal dimensions in the X and Y dimensions, it is preferred that the scrubbing layer 201 and the attachment layer 203 be larger than the absorbent layer so that the layers 201 and 203 can be joined together around the periphery of the pillow to ensure integrity. The scraper and attachment layers can be attached to the absorbent layer or to each other by any of a variety of bonding agents, including the use of a uniform continuous binder layer, a binder layer in the form of a pattern, or any number of separate lines, spirals or dots of the binder. Alternatively, the binding agents may comprise heat compounds, pressure compounds, ultrasonic compounds, dynamic mechanical compounds, or any other suitable binding agents or combinations of these binding agents that are known in the art. The connection may be around the perimeter of the cleaning pad and / or over the entire surface of the scrubbing layer so as to form a pattern on the surface of the scrubbing layer 201.

 Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an absorbent layer 305 of a cleaning pad embodiment of the present invention. The scrubbing layer of the cleaning pad and the optional bonding layer are not shown in Figure 4. The absorbent layer 305 is depicted in this embodiment as consisting of a three-layer structure. Specifically, as shown, the absorbent layer 305 consists of a discrete layer of powdered (particulate) superabsorbent gelling material 307 disposed between two separate layers 306 and 308 of fibrous material. In this embodiment, because of the high concentration portion 307 of the superabsorbent gelling material, it is preferred that the superabsorbent material does not exhibit gel blocking, as discussed above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fibrous layers 306 and 308 will each be a thermally bonded fibrous substrate of cellulosic fibers and the lower fibrous layer 308 will be in direct fluid communication with the scrubbing layer (not shown). (Layer 307, alternatively, may be a mixture of fibrous material and superabsorbent material, where superabsorbent material is preferably present in a relatively high percentage by weight of the layer). Also, although the layers are depicted as equal in width, in a preferred embodiment, the layer 306 will be wider than the layer 307, and the layer 307 will be wider than the layer 308. When the scraper and attachment layers are included, such a combination will provide a cushion having numerous substantially flat surface of the present invention.

 Figure 5 is a cross section (along the y-z plane) of the cleaning pad 400 having a scrubbing layer 401, an attachment layer 403 and an absorbent layer 404 disposed between the scrubbing and attachment layers. The absorbent layer 404 consists of three separate layers 405, 407 and 409. The layer 409 is wider than the layer 407, which is wider than the layer 405. This narrowing of the materials of the absorbent layer provides numerous flat surfaces 411, 413 and 415. (For discussion purposes, surface 411 called the front edge of the cleaning pad 400, when the pad is attached to the fixture, surface 413 is called the trailing edge of the pad 400). In one embodiment, layers 405 and 407 contain a high concentration of superabsorbent material, while layer 409 contains a small amount or does not contain superabsorbent material. In such embodiments, one or both of the layers 405 and 407 may consist of a homogeneous mixture of superabsorbent material and fibrous material. Alternatively, one or both layers may consist of separate layers, for example, two fibrous layers surrounded by a substantially continuous layer of superabsorbent particles.

 It has been found that it may be desirable to reduce the concentration of superabsorbent particles or to eliminate them at the extreme leading and trailing edges. This is accomplished in cushion 400 by constructing an absorbent layer 409 without superabsorbent material.

TEST METHODS
Pressure Performance
In this test, the absorption of grams / grams of deionized water for a cleaning pad is determined, which is horizontally limited in the piston / cylinder assembly at an initial limiting pressure of 0.09 psi (about 0.6 kPa). (Depending on the composition of the sample of the cleaning pad, the limiting pressure may be slightly reduced when the sample absorbs water and swells during the test). The purpose of the test is to evaluate the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb liquid over a practical period of time when the pad is exposed to the conditions of use (horizontal wick and pressure).

 The test fluid for testing the PUP ability is deionized water. This liquid is absorbed by a cleaning pad under specified absorption conditions at a hydrostatic pressure close to zero.

 A suitable apparatus 510 for this test is shown in Figure 6. At one end of this apparatus there is a fluid reservoir 512 (such as a Petri dish) having a lid 514. The reservoir 512 rests on an analytical balance 516. At the other end of the apparatus 510 there is a molten funnel 518, a piston / cylinder assembly 520, which is inserted inside the funnel 518, and a cylindrical plastic cover for the melted funnel 522, which is worn on the funnel 518 and is open at the bottom and closed at the upper end, which has a pinhole. The apparatus 510 has a system for transferring fluid in one direction or another, which consists of sections of a glass capillary conduit 524 and 531a, a flexible plastic tube (for example, a Tygon tube with an inner diameter of 6.25 mm and an outer diameter of 9.375 mm) 531b, and stop valve assemblies 526 and 538 and Teflon connectors 548, 550 and 552 for connecting the glass pipe 524 and 531a and the nodes of the stopcocks 526 and 538. The site of the stopcock 526 consists of a three-way valve 528, a glass capillary tube 530 and 534 in the main fluid system and a glass section a capillary tube 532 for replenishing the reservoir 512 and directed washing the molten disk in the molten funnel 518. The shut-off valve assembly 538 consists of a three-way valve 540, a glass capillary tube 542 and 546 in the main liquid circuit and a section of the glass capillary tube 544, which acts as a drain for system.

In figure 7, the assembly 520 consists of a cylinder 554, a bowl-shaped piston 556 and a load 558 that is inserted inside the piston 556. A woven mesh 559,400 stainless steel mesh is attached to the bottom end of the cylinder 554, which is biaxially stretched to a tightly tensioned state before being attached. A sample of the cleaning pad 560 rests on the mesh 559 so that the surface contacting (or scraping) layer is in contact with the mesh 559. The sample of the cleaning pad is circular, having a diameter of 5.4 cm. (Although sample 560 is shown as a single layer, the sample is actually will consist of a circular specimen having all the layers accommodated by the cushion from which the specimen is cut). The 554 cylinder is made of a transparent LEXAN ^® rod (or equivalent) and has an internal diameter of 6 cm (area 28.25 cm ² ) with a wall thickness of approximately 5 mm and a height of approximately 5 cm. The piston 556 has the shape of a Teflon bowl and is machined for a tight fit into cylinder 554 with low tolerances. A cylindrical load 558 of stainless steel is machined to fit snugly into the piston 556 and is inserted with a handle at the top (not shown) for ease of removal. The total mass of the piston 556 and the load 558 is 145.3 g, which corresponds to a pressure of 0.6 kPa (0.09 psi) over an area of 22.9 cm ² .

The components of the apparatus 510 are sized so that the flow rate of deionized water through it with a hydrostatic pressure of 10 cm is at least 0.01 t / cm ² / s, where the flow rate is normalized by the area of the melted funnel 518. Factors that are especially strongly influencing the flow rate are the permeability of the molten disk in the molten funnel 518, the inner diameters of the glass tubes 524, 530, 534, 542, 546 and 531a and the valves of the stopcocks 528 and 540.

 The reservoir 512 is placed on an analytical balance 516, which has an accuracy of at least 0.01 g with a deviation of less than 0.1 / h. The balance is preferably connected via an interface to a computer with software that can monitor the change in counterweight at predetermined intervals from the start of the PUP test and be set to auto-initiate a load change of 0.01-0.05 g depending on the sensitivity of the balance. The capillary tube 524 entering the reservoir 512 should not come into contact with either its bottom or the cap 514. The volume of liquid (not shown) in the reservoir 512 should be sufficient so that air does not penetrate the capillary tube 524 during measurement. The liquid level in the reservoir 512 at the beginning of the measurement should be approximately 2 mm below the upper surface of the molten disk in the molten funnel 518. This can be maintained by placing a small drop of liquid on the molten disk and gravimetrically monitoring its slow flow back into the tank 512. This level should not be significantly change when the piston / cylinder assembly 520 is placed inside the funnel 518. The reservoir should have a significantly larger diameter (for example, ~ 14 cm) so that the removal of portions of ~ 40 ml leads to a change in Ota fluid less than 3 mm.

Before measurement, the assembly is filled with deionized water. The molten disk in the molten funnel 518 is directionally washed so that it is filled with fresh deionized water. If possible, air bubbles are removed from the bottom surface of the molten disk and from the system that connects the funnel to the reservoir. The following procedures are carried out by the sequential action of 3-way shut-off valves:
1. Excess liquid on the upper surface of the molten disk is removed (eg, drained) from the molten funnel 518.

 2. The height and weight of the solution in tank 512 are adjusted to the appropriate level and size.

 3. The molten funnel 518 is placed exactly in height with respect to the reservoir 512.

 4. The molten funnel 518 is then covered with a lid 522 for the molten funnel.

 5. The reservoir 512 and the melted funnel 518 are balanced by valves 528 and 540 of the nodes of the shut-off valves 526 and 538 in the open connected position.

 6. Valves 528 and 540 are then closed.

 7. The valve 540 is then rotated so that the funnel is opened to the drain tube 544.

 8. The system is allowed to balance in this position for 5 minutes.

 9. Valve 540 is then returned to its closed position.

 Steps 7–9 temporarily “drain” the surface of the molten funnel 518 by applying a small hydrostatic suction of ~ 5 cm to it. This suction is applied if the open end of the tube 544 protrudes ~ 5 cm below the level of the molten disk in the molten funnel 518 and the funnel is filled with deionized water. Typically, ~ 0.04 g of fluid is drained from the system during this procedure. This procedure prevents premature absorption of deionized water when the piston / cylinder assembly 520 is placed inside the molten funnel 518. The amount of fluid that drains from the molten funnel in this procedure (referred to as the correction mass of the molten funnel or “Wffc”) is measured by performing a PUP test ( see below) for a time period of 20 minutes without a 520 piston / cylinder assembly. Essentially, all of the liquid flowing out of the melted funnel through this procedure is very quickly reabsorbed by the funnel when the test is started. Therefore, it is necessary to subtract the correction mass from the masses of liquid removed from the reservoir during the PUP test (see below).

 Sample 560, cut with a round die, is placed in cylinder 554. The piston 556 is pushed into cylinder 554 and placed on top of the cleaning pad sample 560. The piston / cylinder assembly 520 is placed on top of the fused portion of the funnel 518, the load 558 is lowered into the piston 556, and then the top of the funnel 518 is then closed with the lid 522 for the fused funnel. After checking the stability of the balance, the test is started by opening valves 528 and 540 so that the funnel 518 and reservoir 512 are connected. With auto-initiation, data collection begins immediately when the funnel 518 re-absorbs the liquid.

Data is recorded at intervals for a total period of 1200 seconds (20 minutes). The absorption capacity of PUP is determined as follows:
t ₁₂₀₀ absorption capacity (g / g) = [Wr _{(t = о)} -Wr _{(t = 1200)} -Wffc] Wds,
where t _{1200 the} absorption capacity indicates the capacity of g / g pillow after 1200 seconds, Wr _{(t = o)} indicates the mass in grams of reservoir 512 before initiation, Wr _{(t = 1200)} indicates the mass in grams of reservoir 512 after 1200 seconds after initiation, Wffc means the correction mass of the melted funnel and Wds indicates the dry weight of the sample of the cleaning pad. It follows that t ₃₀ and t _{900 the} absorption capacity of the sample is measured in a similar way, except that in the above formula, Wr _{(t = 30)} and Wr _{(t = 900) are used} (i.e., the mass of the tank after 30 seconds and 900 seconds after initiation, respectively). t _{30 the} absorption capacity of the sample in percent calculated as
[t ₃₀ absorption capacity] / [t ₁₂₀₀ absorption capacity] • 100%.

Squeezing
The ability of a cleaning pad to retain fluid when it is subjected to pressures during use, and therefore to avoid squeezing fluid, is another important parameter of the present invention. "Squeezing" is measured on the entire cleaning pad by determining the amount of liquid that can be absorbed from the sample with Whatman filter paper under pressures (0.25 psi) (1.5 kPa). Squeezing is carried out on a sample that has been saturated to capacity with deionized water through horizontal wicks (specifically, through wicks from the surface of the pillow, consisting of a scrubbing layer or in contact with the surface). (One means for producing a saturated sample is described as the "Horizontal Gravimetric Wicking method" in US Application Serial 08/542497 (Dyer et al.), Filed October 13, 1995). A liquid-containing sample is placed horizontally in an apparatus capable of applying appropriate pressures to it, preferably using an air-filled bag that will provide uniformly distributed pressure over the surface of the sample. The squeeze value is presented as the mass of loss of the test fluid per mass of the wet sample.

EXAMPLES
Application situation with an absorbent cleaning pad
A detergent composition / solution containing about 0.12% detergent surfactant containing a linear alcohol ethoxylate detergent surfactant (Neodol 1-5 ^® , from Shell Chemical Co.) and an alkyl sulfonate (Bioterge ^® PAS-8s , linear C ₈ sulfonate from Stepan Co.), about 1% ethanol (Quantum Chemicals), about 0.75% n-butyl propylene glycol ether (Dow Co.), about 0.006% Dow Corning AF foam suppressor (Dow) and about 0.05% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, auxiliary additives, including dyes and perfumes, and the rest of deionized water, using t as a base to which various polymers and gums are added to compare performance during final floor cleaning. This test is performed on an absorbent cleaning pad (containing an effective amount of a superabsorbent sodium polyacrylate material, preferably cross-linked sodium polyacrylate).

Test report
The test involves contaminating a floor area of 0.61 • 0.61 m with approximately 8 ml of a solution of oily dirt in the form of particles using a paint roller (about 0.5 g of applied dirt on the tile after evaporation of the solvent). Each floor area is then cleaned using 8 ml of mortar (applied to 2 tiles) and an absorbent pad measuring approximately 14.38 x 14.38 cm. The cleaning pad is attached to the head on the squeegee handle using a “velcro” and the floor surface is wiped using an upward movement and down, going up the surface in one way and then back the other way. The floors are then sorted by the appearance of the cleaning result at various time intervals (about 10, 30 and 60 minutes). The tiles are then re-contaminated and a second cleaning test is performed. In the second test, the same contaminated pads after the first test are used to recreate (simulate) the cleaning cleaning situation and determine the accumulation effect. Comparison of the final results is based on a scale of 0-4, where 0 indicates absence and 4 indicates strong bands. Tables 1 and 2 give examples of some data (the difference in values of 0.25 is significant).

The data in Tables 1 and 2 clearly show the benefits of using specific polymers, especially at low concentrations. Especially impressive are xanthan gum, Jaguar ^® polymers, pectin and Arabian gum. A comparison of Example 6 vs. 7 and Example 12 vs. 13 shows how xanthan gum can work synergistically with other polymers to provide improvement.

The effect of polymers added to conventional cleaning products diluted according to the recommended dilution (using distilled water), but used in connection with an absorbent cleaning pad, was tested using the above protocol. These polymers and concentrations are used in commercially available products: Mr. Clean ^® and Pinesol ^® (lemon). The results are shown in table.3.

 The data in Table 3 clearly shows that xanthan gum can improve the end result of conventional floor cleaners when they are diluted to the recommended dilution and used in conjunction with an absorbent cleaning pad.

Ordinary Mop Test
To further evaluate the benefits of hydrophilic polymers in the context of conventional cleaning products using conventional cleaning products, a test is carried out using the contamination protocol from the previous test. The devices used and the application protocol are different.

Imitation mop with sponge
A sponge of approximately 6.25 • 8.75 • 2.5 cm is attached to the handle, immersed in an appropriate solution and squeezed to a wet state (about 60 ml of the solution absorbed in a dry sponge). Then, with a sponge, wipe the surface of the contaminated floor up and down, passing once up the surface, then back in the other direction. The floors are then sorted by the appearance of the final result after complete drying, using a scale of 0-4 (0 is the highest score and 4 is the worst).

Mop tape imitation
Take the head of the Libman ribbon mop and cut the ribbons from the bottom to 11.88 cm lengths to get a mini ribbon mop. The head of the ribbon mini-mop is then immersed in the appropriate solution and squeezed out to a wet state (about 130 g of the solution absorbed in a dry device). Each mop head then wipes the surface of the contaminated floor from side to side, passing over the entire surface. Then, the head of the mini-mop moves up and down the entire surface to recreate the wipe pattern used by consumers when they use the ribbon mop. The floors are then sorted by the appearance of the final result after they have completely dried using a scale of 0-4.

Imitation rag
A European rag (called Serpien) is cut to a size of approximately 22.5 x 25.0 cm. The rag is then immersed in an appropriate solution and squeezed out to a wet state (about 70 g of the solution absorbed in a dry device). Using a flat mop head of approximately 12.5 x 12.5 cm attached to the handle, wipe the surface of the contaminated floor with a cloth and move it up and down, passing once up the surface, then back in the other direction. The floors are then sorted by the appearance of the final result after complete drying, using a 0-4 scale.

Solutions of commercially available conventional products Mr.Clean ^® and Pinesol ^® (lemon) are diluted according to the recommended dilution instructions (using approximately 7 g of tap water). These solutions are then tested with or without xanthan gum using conventional mops.

 The data in Tables 4 and 5 show that xanthan gum can even improve the end result of commercially available conventional floor cleaners when diluted using recommended instructions and when used in conjunction with conventional cleaning systems.

Claims (10)

 1. A detergent composition for cleaning floors containing 0.05-0.3% by weight of the composition of the detergent surfactant and 0.0001-0.2%, preferably 0.0001-0.1%, more preferably 0.0005 -0.08% by weight of the composition of the hydrophilic polymer, capable of shear thinning, which is able to inhibit the molecular aggregation of the surfactant solution on the floors during the drying process, where the content of one or more solvents is less than 5% by weight of the composition and where the composition has a pH value> 9.  2. The detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic shear-diluting polymer has a molecular weight of at least 100,000, preferably at least 1,000,000, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, Arabian gum, pectin, and mixtures thereof, more preferably is xanthan gum.  3. The detergent composition according to claim 1 or 2, where the concentration of the detergent surfactant is 0.10-0.20%, the concentration of one or more solvents is less than 5.0% and a pH value> 10.  4. The detergent composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, where the composition is obtained by dilution before using a more concentrated product with water in a ratio of 1: 50-1: 250 parts of water per 1 part of the composition.  5. The detergent composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, containing an effective amount of a foam suppressor, wherein said effective amount is optionally 0.0005-0.02%, preferably 0.001-0.01%, and wherein said foam suppressor preferably comprises a silicone foam suppressor.  6. The detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the detergent surfactant has a predominantly linear structure and is preferably selected from the group consisting of anionic and non-ionic detergent surfactants with a linear chain. 7. The detergent composition of claim 1, wherein the alkalinity is provided at least in an effective amount by a volatile alkaline agent, said volatile alkaline agent is preferably an alkanolamine of the formula CR ₂ (NH ₂ ) CR ₂ 0H, wherein each R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, and the sum of the carbon atoms in the compound is 3-6, more preferably the alkaline agent is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol.  8. The detergent composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7 in a container with instructions for its use with a pad containing superabsorbent material.  9. A kit containing a device containing a pad with superabsorbent material and a detergent composition, characterized in that it contains a detergent composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7.  10. A method of cleaning the surface, comprising applying to the surface of the detergent composition, characterized in that it includes applying an effective amount of the detergent composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7 and absorbing the composition in an absorbent structure containing superabsorbent material, preferably absorbing the composition with a mop of ropes, tapes and a sponge, or with a floor cloth; the surface preferably comprises surfaces of ceramic, vinyl, polyurethane-coated vinyl, wood, pre-finished wood and / or laminated wood.

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